Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Roast Paneer

   Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a kadai on medium flame. Add 200g of chopped paneer, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Roast the paneer until it turns golden brown on all sides.

2. 2.Soak Paneer

   Once roasted, immediately transfer the paneer pieces into a bowl containing 3/4 cup of room temperature water. Set aside. This step helps keep the paneer soft.

3. 3.Prepare Gravy Base

   In the same kadai, add 3 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add whole garam masala (2 small cinnamon sticks, 4-5 cloves, 1 cardamom) and 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

4. 4.Sauté Onions

   Add 2 medium finely chopped onions and salt to taste. Sauté the onions on medium flame until they are well fried and turn a good golden-brown color.

5. 5.Add Ginger Garlic Paste and Tomato Puree

   Add 1 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears. Then, add 1/2 cup of tomato puree (from 2 medium tomatoes) and mix well.

6. 6.Add Spices and Curd

   To the gravy, add 2 tablespoons of curd, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

7. 7.Cook Gravy

   Cook the gravy mixture until the tomatoes are well-cooked and oil starts to separate from the sides, indicating the spices are well-fried.

8. 8.Combine Paneer with Gravy

   Add the roasted paneer along with the water it was soaking in to the gravy. Mix everything well. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Cover the kadai and cook on low to medium flame for 5 minutes.

9. 9.Final Seasoning

   After 5 minutes, add 2-3 sliced green chilies, 1 teaspoon crushed kasuri methi, and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala. Mix well, cover, and cook for another 2 minutes on low flame.

10. 10.Garnish and Serve

    Once the gravy reaches the desired consistency, garnish with 1 tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro. Mix gently, turn off the stove, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious homestyle paneer curry!